I used a Krell KBL for a while but now have gone to a Belcanto SEP-1. |
If you are using the Audible Illusions single ended any preamp that is balanced with greatly improve that amp. The V-3 just sounds better being run balanced. Single ended it becomes plain jane. |
I spoke with someone at Ayre, who owns one and uses a Conrad Johnson PV12 (I think that's the model), an unbalanced linestage. |
Presently running with McCormack TLC-1 Deluxe. Nicely transparent esp. in passive mode. Auditioned a Golden Tube SEP2 which had a better stage & was rather euphonic too, but I didn't buy it as I found out that they've gone under (no warranty or support). I'm now considering trying out a B.A.T., which I suspect may matchup quite well considering it's tubed & balanced. Is anyone else using this setup? |
I am using a Tact 2.0 RCS for room correction and pre-amp capabilities. The Ayre is on the top end of a bi-amped system with a Levinson 332 on the bottom driving Maggie 3.5Rs. Mmmmmm good! |
Thanks All...What I'm wondering is if the early reviews that stated the V3 to be only a good amp as oppossed to outstanding amp when run single ended was before the upgrades that Ayre made. Many say you need to run this amp balanced to get the most out of it. I'm finding the M3A(which is single ended) and the Ayre to be a good match, one thing that concerned me was a possible impedence mis-match between the pre and amp. The input on the M3A is set at 47k olhms and the Ayre is at 10k olhms. Is this a large difference? From what I've been able to tell there is no frequency imbalance that I've noticed. I've heard that you could have an amplifers input changed. What difference would that make? Thanks-Gary |
I've had the amp upgraded (owned an original), and it still sounds better balanced. If you want to use a single-ended preamp (I do with Bel Canto even though it has balanced out), get a good pair of RCA to balanced converters. That way you will get the best of both components (loss from converters is minimal is they are done right). |
The impedence mis-match you need to pay attention to is the preamp's OUTPUT impedence and the Ayre's input impedence. The Ayre, at 10K ohms, is definitely on the low side.You want a preamp with an output impedence of 1K ohms or less, as I understand these things. Try a Placette. |
Not sure about the Modulus' output impedance spec, but 47K sounds wrong. Perhaps you're reading the INPUT Z spec? Output impedance of most preamps is typically much less, usually around 600, 500, maybe even as low as 50 ohms. Output Z is typically an issue when using longer interconnect cables.
The Ayre upgrades were (1) a reduction of gain from 30 dB to 27dB (high-gain tube preamp owners had a problem with excess amp gain as their volume pots had to be operated nearly minimized) (2) addition of the Ayre conditioner - an inductive filtered power supply. Mine initialy had only the 1st upgrade; the Conditioner was a definite enhancement. |
Drubin and Bob budus- You are right... That was my mistake the output impedence is what I should have been concerned with and it is as Druvin had mentioned only 1.2K ohms. I've also spoken with the people at Ayre (Who are really GREAT they bother to spend the time with you!) who did not feel it was a mis-match at all. They actually thought it was a great combination. They also mentioned that the difference with the upgraded amp running single ended and the balanced configuration is not as big a difference as people make it out to be. They just recently came out with a burn in CD that they said makes a bigger difference that balanced vs single ended. Once again thanks for all your help. Best-Gary |
I read somewhere that if your amp has all the upgrades, Ayre recommends eliminating the ground. You should probably call them and see if this is true. I don't remember where I read it. |
Thanks Blbloom- I have the first upgrade and they recomend that you deleat the ground and reverse the polarity. I did both and it does make a difference. |
I have been using an AI M3A with my Ayre for at least 4 years, and I think it is a magical combination. My only complaint is both are high gain and the M3A sounds best in the high gain setting. Thus, not enough resolution in the volume controls. I have been delaying for what seems like years on upgrading my V3...I have the original version and I'm an original owner. Should I break down and do the upgrade??? Has anyone out there been disappointed with either or both of the upgrades??? Advice requested. |
Gold: if they'll still do the upgrade & you want to keep your amp then get it done soon. As you may know they've discontinued the V3 because it became too expensive to build anymore even after the 2 price increases. I still use a Chang power conditioner & an upgrade AC cord even with the "Ayre conditioner" which was the better of the two upgrades. |
Goldman- I would get the upgrade, what the upgrade does is opens up the top end a bit. If you remember the original reviews people said it was not as extended in the top end, the upgrade gives you alittle more air. I think it also gives you about 3db more gain. Also a great power cord for the V3 is the Custom Power Cord Company Model 11. I also run my amp with an AIM3A and find it to be a magical combination. Give Gary Mulder at Ayre a call he can fill you in on the upgrades, even though Ayre discontinued the V3 they will still do upgrades on them. Best-Gary |
